Be Comfortable!

Be Yourself!

Grace UMC has:

Open Minds..

Open Hearts...

Open Doors!

Are you looking for a new church home?
Come Experience Grace!

Sometimes it can be intimidating visiting a church for the first time. Our goal is to make you feel at home, among friends. Here, you're family! Here are some things to know about us:

What's Grace like?
What should I expect during the Worship Service?
What happens after I visit Grace?
Tell me more about UMC Communion.
How does a person join Grace? Why join?
What's expected of me?
I'm not a Christian, just checking it all out.

Let's start with the environment...
Grace is a casual place. At any service or event, you are likely to see people of all ages and backgrounds, young and older, kids and adults. Some people wear blue jeans, some wear dressier clothes. It really doesn't matter. We're all there to get to know God more. It's that simple. Come as you are, where you are in your faith journey.

As you enter the church building, you'll be in the "Welcoming Area"--it's a place where you'll see people talking with each other and catching up. You'll see some food and coffee and, if you wish--have some! The double doors lead the the worship area (as Methodists, we call it the "Sanctuary"). This is the place where we hold our worship service. At the door, there are a couple of people who will hand you a "bulletin". The bulletin is helpful and you'll use it throughout the service. It lists out the "order of worship" (what we do/say and when) and will have any words or prayers that we read together during the worship time, hymn (songs we sing) page numbers (books are in front of where you sit--the "pews") as well other announcements. You'll also find that much of the content of the bulletin (words, prayers, announcements) will also be projected on the big screens behind the altar. Just follow along!

What's the Worship Service like?
We start off with music. The choir sings or the pianist plays, signaling a time to begin thinking about why we'er there--to worship God and draw nearer to Him. After the music stops, the Pastor begins by welcoming everyone and making some announcements. Annoucements give you a glimpse of the activities and needs at Grace. "Opening Words" are what we say together to begin worship. Next are prayers or songs. New Testament scripture is read, followed usually by the Pastor saying, "The Word of God for the People of God" and we respond with "Thanks be to God!". That's as hard as it gets.

You'll experience some great music sang by the choir, soloists, or ensemble groups. Music may be piano, guitar, or other styles. It ranges from traditional hymns to contemporary songs--a nice blend.

At one point, "red friendship pads" are passed down the pews. The pads contain a place for everyone present, guests and members, to sign their name to indicate their presence. As a visitor, please sign the pad--it helps us to welcome you. No pressure and no pushing. We keep it simple.

About halfway through the service, an offering is taken. Ushers pass the offering plate and people place their offering (money) in the plate and pass it to the person next to them. Offering is used to help Grace do God's work and to maintain our church programs. Special offerings are taken for world hunger, mission work, etc.

Next, comes the Sermon, given by the Pastor. Sermons at Grace are messages that help you learn about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and how you can apply God's Word to your life. You'll always learn something wonderful from the sermons! They are uplifting and rewewing. |Listen to sermon audio|

After the Sermon, we may have a prayer or two, sing a song or two, and then usually wrap up. After dismissal, people file out and usually speak to the Pastor on the way out. You'll also see people talking and smiling as they leave--we're easy going, warm, and welcoming!

What happens after I visit Grace?
First, we hope that you have a positive experince and return to spend more time at Grace. Remember the red pad? Someone from our church Welcoming Ministry team will drop off a little gift bag at your home to say "thank you" for visiting Grace. The bag has some info about the church and little gift. No pressure, no worries. Just a thank you for visiting and a hope that you'll visit again.

Tell me more about UMC Communion
On one Sunday a month, we have Communion (a holy time where we take bread and symbolic wine (grape juice) and remember Christ). Communion is open to anyone believing in God, Jesus Christ. It's open to people of all denominations--everyone is welcome at the table. The Pastor explains the meaning of Communion and invites all to participate. You'll see that people form lines to the Communion area in front, take a little piece of bread, then a little cup of juice (discarded in a basket after you drink), and then return to their seats. Sometimes you'll see people praying after they take Communion--in that it's a time to remember Jesus. |Learn More|

How does a person join Grace? Why join?
"Membership" in the UMC means that you have been baptized, have professed your faith in Jesus Christ, and have taken vows of membership. At Grace, you can join by profession of faith, transfer of membership from another UMC, or transfer from another denomination. Vows of membership include things such as...

What's expected of me?
If you're visiting Grace--just be you! We are an open family of Christ and will welcome you to our church. If you like what you see and hear, then plug- in---connect! Find a Sunday School class or a small group; come to Sunday morning and Wednesday Fellowship; pray about your experience of God at Grace and see if Grace is to be your new church home. If you have questions---ask. The Pastor will happily answer questions you may have.

I'm not a Christian..just checking it all out.
Checking us out? Great! That's how you come to know God & Jesus-through experience. See what we're about, learn more, and experience God. Come as you are, who you are, where you are. At Grace, you'll learn about Christianity--who God is and about Jesus, His Son. You'll see and learn what we believe in as Christians in the United Methodist Church. 'Just have an open heart, open mind, and you'll find an open door!

More questions? Email us or call 731-664-9118.